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Duolingo English Test: 10 Advanced Vocabulary for “Speaking Sample” - Personal Experiences and Memories

This blog post provides the advanced vocabulary for discussing personal experiences in the Duolingo English Test. It includes examples and a sample answer reflecting on challenges, perseverance, and personal development.

Speaking Sample	Technology and Internet
	Personal Development and Growth
	Education and Learning
	Opinions and Beliefs
	Time and Life Management
	Relationships and Social Skills
	Hobbies and Interests
	Career and Work
	Cultural and Historical Topics
	Travel and Geography
	Health and Wellness
	Entertainment and Media
	Ethics and Morality
	Personal Experiences and Memories
	Society and Global Issues

DET Advanced Vocabulary List and Applications

1. Cherished

Definition: To hold something dear or value it greatly.

Example: "One of my most cherished memories is the summer I spent with my grandparents at their countryside home, where I learned the significance of family traditions."

2. Fortitude

Definition: Mental strength that enables a person to endure adversity with courage.

Example: "During my final exams, I had to summon all my fortitude to balance my studies and part-time job, proving to myself that I could overcome challenges."

3. Self-discipline

Definition: The ability to control one's impulses and persist in pursuing goals despite temptations to give up.

Example: "My journey to learn a new language required immense self-discipline, as I dedicated several hours each week to study and practice."

4. Tenacity

Definition: The quality of being determined to achieve something; persistence.

Example: "My tenacity in pursuing my dream of becoming a musician paid off when I finally performed at a local venue after years of hard work."

5. Adversity

Definition: A difficult or unpleasant situation.

Example: "Growing up in a challenging environment taught me valuable lessons about resilience and how to confront adversity head-on."

6. Perseverance

Definition: Persistence in doing something despite difficulties or delays in achieving success.

Example: "The perseverance I demonstrated while training for a marathon helped me realize that hard work truly leads to achievement."

7. Melancholy

Definition: A deep, persistent sadness; a reflective or contemplative mood.

Example: "At times, I experience a sense of melancholy as I reflect on my childhood, yet those memories also remind me of how far I’ve come."

8. Introspection

Definition: The examination of one’s own thoughts and feelings.

Example: "After a particularly challenging year, I engaged in introspection, which helped me clarify my motivations and set new goals for the future."

9. Euphoria

Definition: An intense feeling of excitement and happiness.

Example: "The euphoria I felt upon receiving my acceptance letter to university was indescribable; it was the culmination of years of dedication."

10. Serendipity

Definition: The occurrence of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.

Example: "Running into an old friend at a coffee shop was pure serendipity, leading to a rekindling of our friendship and many joyful moments."

An illustrative example of DET 'Speaking Sample' questions related to Personal Experiences and Memories.

Sample Answer:

One of the most challenging experiences I faced was training for a marathon. It required immense self-discipline to adhere to a rigorous training schedule, especially on days when I felt fatigued or unmotivated. The adversity of enduring long runs and overcoming various injuries tested my resolve. Despite these challenges, my tenacity kept me moving forward. Each time I pushed through a tough workout, the euphoria I felt upon finishing motivated me to continue. This journey taught me the importance of perseverance; I learned that success often lies just beyond our comfort zones. Reflecting on this experience has instilled a sense of fortitude in me, reminding me that challenges can lead to significant personal growth. Overall, the marathon training not only improved my physical fitness but also strengthened my mental resilience, equipping me with valuable life skills for future endeavors.